Internationals affect duo - Mancini

Roberto Mancini has blamed international demands for affecting his Manchester City stars Carlos Tevez and David Silva.

The City manager claimed Tevez's spell away with Argentina impacted on the striker's condition - even though he did not play - and said Silva's drop in form was a result of his efforts for Spain in Euro 2012. Tevez was left on the bench against Arsenal last weekend despite being arguably City's most effective player so far this season, but he should return against Fulham today.

Mancini said: "Carlos was good for the first month then after the international break his condition was so-so. He worked well for one month in pre-season. He was fantastic for three or four games and played always. Then he went to Argentina for one week and maybe loses his condition."

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